Michael Schumacher is slowly being brought out of his medically induced coma as he begins to show signs of a recovery, his manager Sabine Kehm has confirmed.

Media outlets in Germany, England, France and Italy claimed that
the 45-year-old German was gradually being brought out of the
artificial coma.

Despite Kehm, who has kept the media updated with official
statements on his condition throughout the last month, initially
labelling the rumours as “speculation”, she has now confirmed that
he will slowly be brought out of his coma by doctors treating
him.

"Michael’s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start
of the waking up process which may take long time," Kehm
confirmed.

'The family of Michael Schumacher is again requesting to respect
its privacy and the medical secret, and to not disturb the doctors
treating Michael in their work. At the same time, the family wishes
to express sincere appreciation for the world-wide sympathy.

"For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by
the interested parties to communicate this information only once
this process was consolidated. Please note that no further updates
will be given."

Schumacher is being treated at the Grenoble University Hospital
where fans carried out a silent vigil in support of the former
Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes driver, while in Belgium on Sunday
there was another tribute to the most successful racer of all time
as fans marched around the famous Spa-Franchorchamps circuit –
where he made his debut back in 1991 and took an unmatched six
victories.

Former F1 doctor Professor Gary Hartstein has also warned that
is it “extremely unlikely” that Schumacher will make a full
recovery if he pulls through, though described his condition as
encouraging.

Hartstein was a key figure in the F1 paddock from 1997 onwards
as he aided Professor Sid Watkins with medical care – having worked
at Spa from 1990 – before he was selected to take over from Watkins
on a permanent basis.

He presided over Schumacher’s dominant reign when he won five
consecutive championships between 2000 and 2004, and maintained his
presence when Schumacher made his comeback in 2010 until his
eventual retirement in 2012.

Speaking to the BBC, Professor Hartstein said: “The fact that he is still
sedated and not in an unsedated coma is better news than I
expected.”

And as pre-season testing got underway this week in Jerez for
the 2014 season, the Ferrari team issued another message of support
for their former racer, who remains a hero to the Tifosi due to the
success he brought to the Italian manufacturer.

A statement on their website read: “Dear Michael, having spent
so many years at Ferrari, you became one of us. You thrilled us so
often, bringing us great joy, but the greatest one is yet to come:
namely seeing you here in Maranello again, to meet your second
family, the Ferrari one.”